7 Timeless Lipstick Lessons We Learned from Kate Moss

They’re so iconic.

If we tried adding up all the images Kate Moss has starred in over the course of her illustrious career, we’d definitely lose count. Case in point: we recently learned the iconic supermodel has appeared in 40 shoots for Rimmel alone—a fact the team casually dropped when they invited us to preview Kate’s soon-to-be-released lipsticks in London.

“I thought it would be nice to do an anniversary collection of my favorite shades,” explains Kate. To celebrate their 15-year partnership (her first ad for Rimmel was shot by Terry Richardson in 2001), she created six new tubes of red and nude in dazzling, rose-gold packaging. But when she talked us through the upcoming line, we discovered that her relationship with the British brand actually goes even further back. In fact, the first lipstick she ever bought was Rimmel Heather Shimmer, which she picked up from Boots and promptly wore to her school disco. “I was like 8 or 9,” she recalls.

Needless to say, she’s worn a lot of lipstick since then — and amassed a treasure trove of beauty tips along the way. Read on for the best of her advice, and check out her new Lasting Finish Lipsticks when they officially hit shelves in July.

Learn as you go.Part of the fun of wearing lipstick is experimenting with every shade until you find your perfect match. In other words, don’t be scared of trial and error. “For makeup in general, I’ve learned,” says Kate. “I didn’t used to wear that much, and I didn’t really know how to do makeup.” Another upside of being open to expanding your lipstick lexicon? You’ll be able to describe your favorites like a pro. For instance, we’d call Boho Nude a rosy caramel, but Kate had us beat with her evocative take on the shade. “It’s kind of bohemian chic, going for lunch in the summer, easy and floaty,” she explains. “It goes well with florals. It’s not fragile; it’s quite durable.”

Think about your look as a whole.When Kate introduced us to her new lipsticks, she styled each shade with a complete outfit from her closet. Retro Red, a vampy, berry-toned bullet, was paired with an airy, emerald gown by Saint Laurent. “It’s a classic, and I think that red lip is a classic look,” she notes. “It’s more Rive Gauche, Saint Laurent, European chic.” Then, she pulled out the shoes: “Tom Ford strappy heels — they’ve seen quite a few dances!” To cap it off, she envisions “slicked-back [hair] with a big earring, gold.”

For the perfect red, reference your outfit.Red is a high-impact hue, and finding the right shade can be a tricky process. Kate’s secret is to think of the colors that work with her outfit. “I kind of look for it not clashing,” she explains. “If I’m wearing something red, for it to not clash with the red. So it kind of has to be the same hue.” Beyond the color palette, you can also try matching the mood of what you’re wearing. Idol Red, for instance, is one that Kate thinks about in relation to getting ready for a big night out. She describes the vibrant, poppy tube as “Debbie Harry, CBGB, sexy, glamorous, gorgeous.” Choose your clothing accordingly.

When in doubt, a nude lip will have your back.Nude lipstick can come across as intimidating — if the base or depth is off, it will immediately wash you out. Kate’s take? It actually gets her vote as the most underrated, easy-to-wear lip shade. During the launch, we picked up pro tips for making this color category more approachable. First, Rimmel London global makeup artist Kirstin Piggott taught us a genius new method for comparing swatches. Simply swipe your nudes of choice across your fingertips, and hold each one over your lips for an accurate representation of how it reads on your skin tone. Kate personally loves My Nude, a deep tan, to complement both minimal and dramatic makeup. “When I want something that naturally gives me a bit of a lift on my mouth, I go for nude,” she says. “It’s something to finish off the look, but not really a look. It’s just the lift.”

Choose your glam squad wisely.Certain, special events (prom for us; red carpet or runway in Kate’s case) mean leaving your lip look in the hands of professionals. To make sure you’re happy with the results, work with those you trust. “If I go to the red carpet, I love my friend Charlotte Tilbury,” says Kate. “We just laugh, and then I don’t feel all nervous, because I get nervous before going to things like that. It’s more like hanging out with a friend.” Her other, go-to MUA? Her daughter. “She does my makeup sometimes, which is hilarious,” she laughs. “She tells me off for not doing my brows!”

Scan your environment.You can also think about switching up your color based on what you’ll be doing throughout the day. Kate designed Rock N Roll Nude for parties and concerts, citing the peachy hue as one that’s ideal for giving congratulatory kisses backstage. “Can’t wear a red lip!” she says. “You give a kiss, like, ‘You’re amazing!’ It’s got to be a nude.” We find that neutral shades like this one wear beautifully whether you create super crisp lines or smudge them out a bit, so a pack a tube the next time you’re in search of a great day-to-night option.

Always go for a long-wear formula.Kate’s number one requirement for any lipstick is that the color stay on until she’s ready to remove it. All six shades in the collection feature a formula designed to stay on for up to eight hours — without fading. Even the ultra-saturated Muse Red, a dramatic crimson based on her red carpet look, retains its richness throughout the day (or night). Turns out that’s a necessary feature for any lipstick Kate designs. “I literally chew it off,” she says. “If I can wear it, anyone can wear it.”